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The Fog Within
Autism: a word that has so many meanings and variants yet, without a single source to blame, it is also a word which has been used so frequently as of late that it has also become nearly meaningless.
Autism is not a meaningless cause or concern for Megan Cooper. She calls it the fog because it is an intangible force that intrudes and affects every moment of her day, from childhood on through adulthood. “The Fog Within” is the story of Megan’s life. It is the story of autism as seen through her eyes – seen through a fog.
Autism is not a meaningless cause or concern for Megan Cooper. She calls it the fog because it is an intangible force that intrudes and affects every moment of her day, from childhood on through adulthood. “The Fog Within” is the story of Megan’s life. It is the story of autism as seen through her eyes – seen through a fog.
237 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Nick Shamhart
7 books323 followersNick Shamhart was born in Sandusky, Ohio on the winter solstice in the years before Americans started electing actors as President. He still lives in that mostly vowel state under protest from half of the voices in his head. The other half could care less where they reside, because they are too busy yammering on endlessly about everything from Sit-Com theme songs to theology and metaphysics.
Articles and short stories written by Nick have appeared in such magazines as: National Geographic and National Geographic Adventure, Rolling Stone, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, Men’s Journal, Esquire, Sci Fi, Men’s Health, Blender, Vibe, Outdoor, and more.
Nick Shamhart is not a genre writer. His novels are character based. The result is whatever the story becomes, from romantic comedy to drama or thriller. He is the author of the theologically and psychologically driven series based on the afterlife called the Balance Books. The romantic comedy, “The Knight’s Wife” is based on the concept of how often women are actually the ones who perform the hero’s work and then some. “The Fog Within” is Nick’s bestselling and highly acclaimed dramatic look into the mind of a severely autistic woman. He lives in Cleveland with his wife and two daughters.
Articles and short stories written by Nick have appeared in such magazines as: National Geographic and National Geographic Adventure, Rolling Stone, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, Men’s Journal, Esquire, Sci Fi, Men’s Health, Blender, Vibe, Outdoor, and more.
Nick Shamhart is not a genre writer. His novels are character based. The result is whatever the story becomes, from romantic comedy to drama or thriller. He is the author of the theologically and psychologically driven series based on the afterlife called the Balance Books. The romantic comedy, “The Knight’s Wife” is based on the concept of how often women are actually the ones who perform the hero’s work and then some. “The Fog Within” is Nick’s bestselling and highly acclaimed dramatic look into the mind of a severely autistic woman. He lives in Cleveland with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 17, 2013
What do you say about a book like this? Just like “The Miracle Worker” it rips open your heart and pours salt in the wound. We see people that don’t fit in and we judge them. It’s what people do, and I hate it! “The Fog Within” has all the elements of a classic told through the narrative of a girl and then woman with autism. My cousin has an autistic daughter and he passed this book on to me, and said if you want to see what the world is like for Maddie then read this.
I want to encourage everyone with a heart and a some compassion to read this book. It will open your eyes to autism, and if this book doesn’t make you rethink all those media images they show you of autism then nothing else will.
I don’t know how those lit. awards like Pulitzers and Newbery Medals are given out, but if “The Fog Within” isn’t nominated or given one then I’ll believe it’s all rigged. This book hurts to read, but should be read.
I want to encourage everyone with a heart and a some compassion to read this book. It will open your eyes to autism, and if this book doesn’t make you rethink all those media images they show you of autism then nothing else will.
I don’t know how those lit. awards like Pulitzers and Newbery Medals are given out, but if “The Fog Within” isn’t nominated or given one then I’ll believe it’s all rigged. This book hurts to read, but should be read.
April 7, 2013
There is so little out there on the fiction market with the pure open wound intensity of “The Fog Within”
The entire length of this quickly read young adult narrative I felt like I was trapped in the fog with Megan, the main character. The entire story is told through the thoughts of a young woman with autism. You feel her pain and frustration at every turn of the page. To take us through the major life points, and change the thought process from simpler in childhood to a gradual complexity in adulthood is absolutely brilliant on the author’s part!
I work with special needs kiddos and I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to others in the profession, from psychiatrists to public school aids. Everybody can learn something they didn’t know before. “The Fog Within” is a story that will stick with me the rest of my life, in its simplicity, poignancy, and love.
The entire length of this quickly read young adult narrative I felt like I was trapped in the fog with Megan, the main character. The entire story is told through the thoughts of a young woman with autism. You feel her pain and frustration at every turn of the page. To take us through the major life points, and change the thought process from simpler in childhood to a gradual complexity in adulthood is absolutely brilliant on the author’s part!
I work with special needs kiddos and I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to others in the profession, from psychiatrists to public school aids. Everybody can learn something they didn’t know before. “The Fog Within” is a story that will stick with me the rest of my life, in its simplicity, poignancy, and love.
November 3, 2013
One, two, three, four, five--five! reasons to read this book about Megan Cooper, a child with autism.
1. It will give you insight into a child' s thinking, with or without autism.
2. It will give you insight into a teen's thinking, with or without autism.
3. It will give you insight into an adult' s thinking, with or without autism.
4. It is an emotional and poignant read about a subject that is difficult to describe for those not living with a child with autism.
5. It is worth reading and putting yourself into the mind of a child who is struggling with issues beyond her control.
Frankly, it is a damn fine read. At times, it was a difficult read because of the connection this reader felt toward not only Megan, but for her Dad. It is emotional and raw, and definitely worth reading even if the emotions overwhelm (as it did this reader).
1. It will give you insight into a child' s thinking, with or without autism.
2. It will give you insight into a teen's thinking, with or without autism.
3. It will give you insight into an adult' s thinking, with or without autism.
4. It is an emotional and poignant read about a subject that is difficult to describe for those not living with a child with autism.
5. It is worth reading and putting yourself into the mind of a child who is struggling with issues beyond her control.
Frankly, it is a damn fine read. At times, it was a difficult read because of the connection this reader felt toward not only Megan, but for her Dad. It is emotional and raw, and definitely worth reading even if the emotions overwhelm (as it did this reader).
July 29, 2016
POIGNANT AND INSIGHTFUL.
"Waiting Rooms. The whole point of being in the room is to wait. Isn't that crazy?"—page 39
"They just follow their rules like stupid ticking clock hands and never wonder why a room for waiting would cause a person with the fog so much agitation."—page 45
I will never be able to know how close to, or far away from, the actual experience of autism the novel THE FOG WITHIN, by Nick Shamhart actually comes—but I am very glad it was written, and that I read it.
We can all relate to feelings of being lost and confused—of feeling like we're groping through a fog; and perhaps that is the closest we will ever come to a sense of what if feels like to be autistic. But striving to understand, as this story does, is worth the effort.
Recommendation: Goodreader Jason said it best in his review—"This book hurts to read, but should be read."
"…life gives you rainbows, and life gives you rocks. It's up to you to watch where you are going."—page 171
Barnes & Noble NOOKbook edition, 171 pages
"Waiting Rooms. The whole point of being in the room is to wait. Isn't that crazy?"—page 39
"They just follow their rules like stupid ticking clock hands and never wonder why a room for waiting would cause a person with the fog so much agitation."—page 45
I will never be able to know how close to, or far away from, the actual experience of autism the novel THE FOG WITHIN, by Nick Shamhart actually comes—but I am very glad it was written, and that I read it.
We can all relate to feelings of being lost and confused—of feeling like we're groping through a fog; and perhaps that is the closest we will ever come to a sense of what if feels like to be autistic. But striving to understand, as this story does, is worth the effort.
Recommendation: Goodreader Jason said it best in his review—"This book hurts to read, but should be read."
"…life gives you rainbows, and life gives you rocks. It's up to you to watch where you are going."—page 171
Barnes & Noble NOOKbook edition, 171 pages
August 13, 2016
This is another novel I've read this year that is extremely difficult to write a review. While I labeled this one "hard to read subject matter", it isn't really. Not like the other novels I read earlier this year based on true life events that included rape and suicide. It is difficult, however, because it's a subject that many are close-lipped about, although I see that changing greatly. It's difficult because it's something I see friends, who are now parents, dealing with. And while a lovely read, there is this deep well of sympathy for Megan, her brother, her parents, and you cannot help but to think of the people you know who are either classifed as being on the autism spectrum or are parents of children with autism like Megan.
The first part of this novel deals with Megan's childhood, and the entire novel is told from Megan's point of view. Nick Shamhart captures the frustration and sensation of being overwhelmed by the fog very well. A friend of mine once shared a video to explain how her child feels when in large party situations, school, etc. and we all teared up to know that somewhere in there is her child unable to communicate, being assaulted by sound and light and so many people. Megan says that she likes sleeping under her pillows, under her mattress because she likes the pressure and that immediately made me think of my friend when she was sharing about the "pressure vest" she has for her child for rougher days. I suppose those of you with dogs who are scared of storms can think of it as a thunder shirt. I liked Megan's personality -- she is feisty and since she is outside of the so-called social norm, she hits the nail on the head with the crazy things we do such as waiting for little ticks of wand to do anything, to tell us when to eat instead of eating when we're hungry, etc.
As Megan develops more and moves into adolescence, you are there with her as she tries to figure out everything. She has such a sweet and simplistic way of saying what we're all thinking: why? That's weird. I smiled to see her move into adulthood, working at her zoo, taking care of fish at her apartment, and being gifted with a kitten for her birthday. When tragedy struck, my eyes welled up.
I think the foreword and the postnote from the author is touching. While based on his own experiences, his hopes for the future, this isn't his daughter's story. It's a story that can be applied to all children with autism, and their parents, and for those on the outside who can't really understand. I'm recommending this to my friends as something they might give to others / ask others to read. Poignant, sweet, and hopeful, this book was a wonderful way to finish my 2013 reading.
March 1, 2013
This book tore at my heart. It is written in the first person view of an autistic girl/woman. The author is the father of an autistic girl, and wrote this work of fiction about what it must be like for these people. It is heartwarming, frustrating, and so worthwhile to read. It starts in childhood, with all the problems associated with this time of our lives, and explains the issues of autism some face as a fog that steals in and takes over memories and actions. As she matures, she begins to get a better handle on it, yet she still never completely understands or controls all the problems. It is written with love and understanding that only a parent could portray. I think it is a must read.
October 27, 2014
This is such a great book for someone who would like to visualize autism -- during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Megan, the autistic main character and narrator, tells her poignant story and gives us plenty of insight into what it's like to feel the fog interfering with her ability to cope in a variety of what we'd think of as everyday situations. The back cover even says this "is the story of autism as seen through her eyes -- seen through a fog." Author Nick Shamhart has captured that feeling amazingly well. I would highly recommend this book; it is in places funny and in others a tear-jerker, but a most enjoyable read.
March 21, 2013
I'm not a big general fiction fan. I like fantasy and science fiction typically. I read this because I'm a big Shamhart fan, and I've never been so glad to have read a book based on the author alone.
How do you review this book? I can tell you it was amazing, that you should read it, and all that other stuff people say. None of that would do this book justice.
If you want to feel love, anger, frustration, joy, agitation, sadness, and fear all within the same book then read The Fog Within. If you ever wanted to walk in someone else's shoes this is the book. It's honest, real, and raw.
How do you review this book? I can tell you it was amazing, that you should read it, and all that other stuff people say. None of that would do this book justice.
If you want to feel love, anger, frustration, joy, agitation, sadness, and fear all within the same book then read The Fog Within. If you ever wanted to walk in someone else's shoes this is the book. It's honest, real, and raw.
April 16, 2013
I've worked as a special needs aid for handicapped children for over ten years. Many of them were autistic. This book was the most amazing look into their world. Sweet little lost souls who live among us, but don't always know how or why to interact with us. I saw an interview with the author that made me read this book. I'll share it here. I hope it works. I'm not always so good with that kind of thing.
http://fox8.com/2013/04/12/172882/
http://fox8.com/2013/04/12/172882/
November 26, 2013
My brother is autistic. I wish that every person who ever glared at him when he couldn't control his hands from flapping, or every jerk that muttered something under their breath about his outbursts would read this book!
We need to look at the world through other people's eyes. Not walk a mile in their shoes. The shoes don't show you what they see. "The Fog Within" gives you that look. READ THIS BOOK!
We need to look at the world through other people's eyes. Not walk a mile in their shoes. The shoes don't show you what they see. "The Fog Within" gives you that look. READ THIS BOOK!
March 26, 2013
What a look into someone's mind! I wish I could say that I've never judged somebody with a child they claimed had autism. I felt most of the time autism was being used as a label for bad behavior and poor parenting. I've never felt worse about having those thoughts than I do after reading this book. I wish I could give it six stars.
September 21, 2025
The Fog Within shouldn't be a book that you just read. It's a book to experience and get into the mind of an autistic girl through the years. From adolescence into adulthood, it will open your eyes and touch your heart.
We get to experience autistic life through the lens of a young girl named Megan who is non-verbal but has so much she wants to say. Luckily for her, she has a father that goes to bat for her each and every day. Even if it's to give her the forbidden 5 cookies and coffee that makes her fog dissipate if only for a minute.
If you've ever wondered what autism could look like through the eyes of someone who was born with it, this would be a great book to help understand one aspect of being on the spectrum. You will feel her frustration for everyday life and wanting to not be taken over by the "fog". But as Megan grows older and begins to be able to control some of the "fog" we also get to see how that not only effects her, but her loved ones and how much responsibility was put on their shoulders as well. My heart felt for her father and friends that she was able to make, but also showed how much love she had around her. This story really touched my heart, opened my eyes, yet also made me sad for the world we live in. I really liked that Nick Shamhart didn't just include Megan as a young child, but also had her aging up into a high schooler and even to adulthood. Since the author also has a daughter who has autism, you could feel the very real connection he had with the story. This wasn't a book I would have put on my TBR, but I'm glad that my friend kept pushing me to read it. I think it should be required reading for more people to understand and be empathetic.
We get to experience autistic life through the lens of a young girl named Megan who is non-verbal but has so much she wants to say. Luckily for her, she has a father that goes to bat for her each and every day. Even if it's to give her the forbidden 5 cookies and coffee that makes her fog dissipate if only for a minute.
If you've ever wondered what autism could look like through the eyes of someone who was born with it, this would be a great book to help understand one aspect of being on the spectrum. You will feel her frustration for everyday life and wanting to not be taken over by the "fog". But as Megan grows older and begins to be able to control some of the "fog" we also get to see how that not only effects her, but her loved ones and how much responsibility was put on their shoulders as well. My heart felt for her father and friends that she was able to make, but also showed how much love she had around her. This story really touched my heart, opened my eyes, yet also made me sad for the world we live in. I really liked that Nick Shamhart didn't just include Megan as a young child, but also had her aging up into a high schooler and even to adulthood. Since the author also has a daughter who has autism, you could feel the very real connection he had with the story. This wasn't a book I would have put on my TBR, but I'm glad that my friend kept pushing me to read it. I think it should be required reading for more people to understand and be empathetic.
September 4, 2013
I'm a psychologist. I cannot recommend this book from a professional standpoint because it has no basis in research (even though many of the therapies Mr. Shamhart addresses through his character's eyes with either ridicule or approval are the proper treatments, and how most of us in the medical profession view them). I found Megan's views on alternative diets to be a real delight!
From a professional standpoint I will recommend this for all caregivers, therapists, and the general populace that wants (some would say needs) to look at the world through the eyes of an autistic person. The other books available, both fiction and nonfiction, do not make the character realistic (or too realistic). Megan has enough problems that all readers can identify and care about her. She is a treasure. Spend her wisely.
From a professional standpoint I will recommend this for all caregivers, therapists, and the general populace that wants (some would say needs) to look at the world through the eyes of an autistic person. The other books available, both fiction and nonfiction, do not make the character realistic (or too realistic). Megan has enough problems that all readers can identify and care about her. She is a treasure. Spend her wisely.
December 4, 2013
My niece is autistic and I've read other books (fiction and nonfiction) but none of them really felt like the author understood the person they were writing about.
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" Won all sorts of awards, and it's a good book, but it doesn't have that identifiablity that "The Fog Within" has. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
And don't even get me started on "House Rules" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
If you want to know what the world is like of autistic people? Then look through the Fog!
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" Won all sorts of awards, and it's a good book, but it doesn't have that identifiablity that "The Fog Within" has. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
And don't even get me started on "House Rules" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
If you want to know what the world is like of autistic people? Then look through the Fog!
March 5, 2013
A book that is a facinating work of fiction with insight into the world of autism. It follows the life of an autistic girl from childhood to adulthood, her everyday problems and uses the 'fog' to describe the times when she is unable to control her emotions and actions as well as remember what happens. It is a very interesting way to present what it may be like for some autistic individuals. Because it is written by someone close to an autistic girl, it makes you feel the emotions all the more. An awesome book to read.
March 24, 2013
My nephew has autism. I could not endorse this book more! Unlike the main character in “The Fog Within” my nephew can speak, but the idea and the concepts fit. How one minute he will be completely fine and the next he will be freaking out. I do not know how my brother and sister-in-law deal with it everyday. It’s heartbreaking to watch them go through it, and I think people out there who do not have a connection to autism really need to read this book.
It can open your eyes, not just to autism, but make you take a good hard look at yourself too.
It can open your eyes, not just to autism, but make you take a good hard look at yourself too.
March 13, 2013
An amazing look into the life of a girl with autism. I will never blow off another child that's misbehaving and the mother says their autistic as spoiled. Everybody should read this book. I can only hope that someone would have the same compassion for me if I was in this girl's shoes.
March 18, 2013
The most amazing book I have read on autism. My son is autistic and from now on when people ask me what's wrong with him I'll just say he's lost in the fog! Thank you Mr. Shamhart for a wonderful story that focuses on the autistic person and not on autism!
April 30, 2013
I have a son with autism and this was a very hard book for me to get through. It is very emotional and touching. There is no other book out there on autism that comes close, fiction or nonfiction. If anybody wants to know what life is like for people like my son then this is the book to read!
July 25, 2013
My little brother has autism and this book was probably the hardest book I've read. I can't encourage people enough to pick up this book and read it. You need to see what the world is like for some people. It will make you thankful for what you have.
July 26, 2013
Fiction book about autism written from the viewpoint of an autistic girl. The author has an autistic child so some of it is written from his experiences with his young daughter, the later years are more his hopes for her. Tough to read but lots to think about for us "normal" folks.
September 3, 2013
The world would be a better place if more people would turn their tvs off and read books like this.
"Crazy doesn't mean stupid!" from The Fog Within. I think we could all do well to remember that.
"Crazy doesn't mean stupid!" from The Fog Within. I think we could all do well to remember that.
September 19, 2013
A really well-written look into the life of a person (in this case an autistic person) who does not see the world like other people do. The Fog that Megan (the main character) suffers could be so many things. Anybody can and everybody should read this book!
December 30, 2013
I love how the author kept me inside of Megan's head. From childhood through adulthood, I got to experience life as Megan through her voice and her fog. I laughed and cried reading this touching and forthright story. Beautifully done.
January 26, 2014
Incredibly eye opening book on autism. It reminds me of being a kid. The author does a great job reminding me of how a kid views the world and all of the stupid rules we've created for ourselves. If anything, this book had taught me empathy for those who are disadvantaged or disabled.
March 24, 2013
The love this book teaches you is beyond measure! I'm a macho kind of guy and I am not ashamed to admit I cried often throughout reading this book.
March 27, 2013
A touching story that expresses a mind that cannot express itself. Very Beautiful!
March 27, 2013
By far Shamhart's greatest work! I was a speech therapist for twenty years and I cannot imagine a better image for autism than a fog. It is a brilliant and insightful book.
April 5, 2013
Everybody, everywhere should read this book. Don't play stupid games about what types of books you read. Just read this book. It will hurt, but it's a good hurt.
April 24, 2013
Such a sad and beautiful story. I can't imagine what it would be like to be autistic and if the Fog is anything approaching close my heart goes out to all people suffering in their own Fogs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews